Rising voice of women

The 2024 general elections marked a pivotal moment in Pakistan's democratic evolution, with women making their presence felt at the ballot box like never before. Casting 24.4 million of the 58.9 million votes - a 2.7 million increase from the 2018 elections - female voters are challenging historical gender disparities in electoral participation. Female voter registration even outpaced male registration by 10 percentage points over the last five years.

This remarkable transformation is driven by several intertwined factors. Over the past decade, targeted voter registration campaigns have reduced the gender gap in voter lists from 12.8% in 2013 to 7.7% in 2024. Movements like the Aurat March have brought issues of gender equality and empowerment into the national discourse, encouraging women to assert their rights, including their right to vote. Social media has also played a pivotal role, amplifying voices and providing a platform for dialogue on gender issues. Another key contributor to this shift has been the immense support and influence of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, whose populist appeal has galvanised a significant segment of the female electorate. Khan's rhetoric of anti-corruption, reform and inclusivity resonates particularly with young and urban women, many of whom see his leadership as a path toward a more equitable Pakistan. His party's ability to mobilise voters through strategic use of digital platforms and grassroots campaigns has further strengthened this trend, creating a broader base of politically aware and active women.

Despite these gains, substantial challenges remain. Rural areas continue to witness voter suppression, where patriarchal norms and systemic barriers hinder women's participation in elections. Issues such as lack of access to polling stations and coercion remain significant obstacles. There is a need for broader electoral reforms to ensure that all citizens can exercise their right to vote freely and fairly.